The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1887-02-09
Selected Storm.
A Girl's Sacrifice.

llulllun Nub VI llC sun
shine of great gladness the subject of
the parental Christening steps into the
shadow of disappointment and loss.
The fair skies are overcast, and the
poor, tluttering heart trembles at the
enrolling storm.
1t was thus with Agatha Trenton.
On the heels of a wel-nigh bewilder-
ing happiness had come crushing dis
aster.
Agatha was the daughter of Brake
shire clergyman, and was the eldest of
somewhat numerous family. Her
mother for several years had been
complete invalid, and on Agatha's
shoulders rested the burden of house
hold management. 1t was not a light
one. The vicar of IIltworth had no
private means, and his income from
tithes and endowment was not large.
There was need for considerable schem-
ing and for continual self-denial, if the
finance of the vicarage was to be or
dered honestly in the sight of all men.
1t was probably the pressure of this
load of care that made Agatha Trenton
so different from other girls. AT
twenty-five there were those among
her acquaintance who openly spoke of
her as old-fashioned.
" agatha is a good girl only wish
l were half as useful; but she'll never
marry" said vivacious Mabel Sutton
to friend. " Agatha keeps too much
in the background; no lover will ven
ture to approach"
1t was an erring prophecy. In less
than a fortnight from the evening of
its utterance the friend who had so
gravely listened to it had placed him
self and his fortunes at Agatha's feet.
Roderick Dalling was a good match.
He was proprietor of the mill which
had Just been opened at the north end
of Hiltworth, and which was destined
or local opinion was mistaken-to
revolutionize the hitherto quiet midland
town. He had a handsome presence,
an irreproachable character, the assur-
ance of moderate competency.
My love is not the growth of yester-
day." he pleaded; it has been de-
veloping day by day for months; it
grows stronger with every glimpse |
get of you, with every word | hear you
speak. Give me an answer, Miss Tren-
tom
The maiden was rosy with surprise,
and trembed at the vehemence of the
young mans avowal. But already her
heart was enlisted on Roderick's side,
and before he left her she had shyly
confessed the truth.
81 cannot deny that | do--care a
little" she stammered; "but, indeed,
l can't promise what you ask-this
afternoon; | must have time to think.
There are difficulties"
Agatha was listening, as she spoke,
to the echoes of noisy voices in the
nursery, and before her mental retina
rose the picture of the pale, suffering
mother in the adjoining room. If she
consented to forsake her home the
vicar would have to engage a house
keeper.
81 understand it ALL Roderick re-
piled, gently. Nevertheless ! believe
even your father-who must of neces-
sity lose if l gain-will advise you to
say yes | will call tomorrow and
know my fate, Miss Trenton"
The morrow came, but the vicar of
Hiltworth could answer no question OF
human lips. In the night watches the
Masters messenger had visited the
bedside of the faithful toiler Francis
Trenton had gone home. 1t was heart
disease, the physicians said, from which,
unsupported even by himself, he had
probably been in danger for many
years.
The outlook for Agatha was entirely
changed. When the last sad offices for
the dear one had been fulfilled it was
necessary to look the future fairly in
the face; and this forecast was far from
agreeable.
An insurance policy for no very large
sum represented the resources of the
bereaved family. Mrs. Trenton was
in despair. Fortunately Agatha pos
sessed a genuine talent for painting.
She had already earned slender store
of gold by utilizing it, and now resolved
to make a more extended and deter
mined effort to conquer the apprecia-
ton of paying patrons. She must be-
come, in sterner sense than ever, the
stay of the helpless household.
With an instructive delicacy Roder-
lex Dalling refrained, during these days
of trial, from even the remotest refer
ence to the offer he had made. He
expressed sympathy; he afforded I'M
ostentatious assistance where an Oppor-
tunity disclosed itself. But of love he
said nothing.
Yet the girl knew that, though silent,
he was simply biding his time. Sooner
or later it was inevitable that her ordeal
should arrive. Alone, in the solitude
of her chamber, not seldom seen on her
knees she CROPPED her way to decision,
and, having reached it, she held it fast.
She would give Roderick up. She had
no right to ask any young man to wait
indefinitely, and to the struggle she had
entered she saw no limit within long
vista of years. 1t was impossible that
she should impose her burden upon
Roderick, even if he were enamored
enough to invite it. She must fight her
own battle with her own brain and
fingers. The young manufacturer was
expecting his brother from the North
shortly. The two would then settle
down together, and Roderick could find
wife and housemistress in-Agatha
thought, with pang-Mabel Sutton.
A whole month went by, and then
Roderiek ventured to speak.
Agatha, dearest" he said, "can
you not give me the promise for which
| am waiting? | hope this is not too
hasty an appeal, but | hear that DR..
Royal is about to remove from Brighton